Happy Place

Do you ever feel like the universe is trying to tell you something? Call it spirituality, intuition, or science... we’ve all had moments that feel like a bit of a sign – a gentle nudge in a certain direction. In this episode, Fearne looks at the Happy Place moments that have explored the things we can't always explain… This is a curious dive into what happens when we leave a little room for mystery, wonder, and the possibility that there might be more to life than meets the eye. In this episode – -Poet and actor Lucas Jones’ take on why whether we call it religion, spirituality, or science, we’re all ultimately searching for meaning -Spiritual leader Gabby Bernstein is clear that the best thing you can do to change the world is tend to your inner world first -Musician Charlotte Church reflects on why she turned to nature to heal from trauma -Moon mentor Kirsty Gallagher explains how to live in tandem with the moon’s cycles -Holistic therapist Estelle Bingham explores the magic and the science behind the energy in your heart -Intuitive guide Sonia Choquette chats about how to trust your own gut instinct more -Entrepreneur Poppy Jamie shares a beautiful story that explains why she puts her faith in the universe CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains a number of conversations about trying to conceive and baby loss. A FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT! Early Bird tickets for our London and Tatton Happy Place Festivals 2027 are out on Tuesday 8th September. Head to happyplaceofficial.co.uk to get your Early Bird tickets now. Listen to the full Happy Place episodes – Lucas Jones Gabby Bernstein Charlotte Church Kirsty Gallagher Estelle Bingham Sonia Choquette Poppy Jamie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does a truly restful holiday look like to you? Do you want novelty or routine? Horticulturalist Monty Don relaxes most when he knows the drill: same Greek island, same terrace for breakfast, same collapsable travel kettle packed! Welcome to The Happy Place Guide To Holidays! In this chat with Fearne – brought to you by British Airways Holidays – Monty explains the difference between all the globe-trotting he does for work, and a proper switching-off holiday. They chat about the excitement of stepping off a plane into an entirely different culture, as well as why you won’t find either of them staying up late for a social dinner. Monty also explores why it was important to be one of the first people to talk about his mental health in the media decades ago, and what more still needs to be done to support those with depression. Plus, how does Seasonal Affective Disorder manifest for Monty? British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected, offer a 24hr holiday helpline, and allow you to book with a low deposit. All holidays include a generous baggage allowance per person. Go to Ba.com/holidays to find out more. Listen to other episodes of The Happy Place Guide To Holidays: Fearne’s holiday likes and dislikes Chris McCausland Sophie Ellis-Bextor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you feel the morning after drinking the night before? For Millie Gooch the hangxiety was huge, so she stopped drinking and founded Sober Girl Society. In this chat, Fearne and Millie explore how to recognise when the silly, lols-in-the-group-chat stories from nights out have morphed into moments that are risky, dangerous, and not really you. For Millie, she had to be honest with herself about what she was trying to forget or avoid by drinking. She talks through how to get comfortable with sitting in uncomfortable emotions. Millie also explains why she didn’t know she was neurodivergent until she stopped drinking; how do the effects of alcohol get mixed up with symptoms of menopause, ADHD, and OCD? Millie’s book, Hangxiety, is out on the 8th of September. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank chat about sexual assault. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Millie Mackintosh Professor David Nutt Louise Newson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For 20 years Maggie and Will have spent idyllic summers in the south of France with their friends Lydia and Roland. This year though, tension is brewing and loyalties are being tested. Their young kids are all there too, and they might end up stumbling upon secrets that were being kept from them... August’s Happy Place Book Club read is Family Friends. In this chat with Fearne, author Chloe Ashby explains why she wanted to explore relationship dynamics around the age of 40. Each character has brought a bit of extra baggage to this year’s holiday, so through them Chloe wonders at what point doing one bad thing makes you a bad person. Plus, why was it controversial to include a teenage holiday romance? Thank you to Penguin for the use of the Family Friends audiobook, narrated by Sally Scott. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Book Club Meets: Candice Carty-Williams Book Club Meets: Caro Claire Burke Book Club Meets: Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you find yourself cringing at your younger self? Did you lose yourself in the early part of parenthood? Do you wonder if who you’re being is who you really are? It’s check, check, and check for comedian Joe Lycett. In this chat with Fearne, Joe reflects on how much of his stage persona has become who he actually is, why paternity leave triggered a lot of existential crises all at once, and how he’s come out the other side caring a lot less about what anyone thinks. Fearne and Joe also wonder if the art of losing your inhibitions is gone forever thanks to camera phones, and why playing around and making mistakes is so important as an adult. Plus, how have Ant and Dec accidentally changed how Joe behaves at hotels? And, why is it you can always trust that you'll find community at the pub? Joe loves the human chaos of it, so he’s opening his own, but only for one hour a week... The Lycett Arms airs live on Channel 4 on Friday nights at 10pm, starting Friday 4th September. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Alain De Botton Ant and Dec Philippa Perry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s been going on for you this week? What are you happy about, and what’s making you not so happy? Fearne’s here with more chat about what’s putting her, Team Happy Place team, and you lot in a good mood, and what’s feeling a bit heavier. This is our space to explore what’s been on our minds. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial! In this chat, Fearne explores: -Why the regular mates getaway is so vital -Why – contrary to popular advice – it’s important to talk to strangers -Sitting on a train without looking at your phone -Just bloody wearing the outfit you think is too extra -Coping with ill parents -Trying not to get frustrated with older people taking things slow -Young kids being obsessed with slime (???!) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re all looking for meaning in life in our own way. Poet and actor Lucas Jones reckons it doesn’t really matter whether we call it God, The Universe, spirituality, or science, we all want to believe in the wonder in our world. In this chat, Fearne and Lucas bond over not being able to do small talk, instead wanting to deeply connect over their big feelings. They also both share their different experiences of having OCD. Lucas feels therapy is a brilliant thing – he’s really benefitted from CBT – but wonders if the rise in therapy comes from a loss of real community. How can we truly listen to and connect with each other again? You can buy Lucas’ book of poetry, I Still Believe In Miracles, now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Will Poulter Tuppence Middleton Poppy Jamie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What ratio of planned activities to spontaneity do you love when you travel? Comedian Chris McCausland has to know some top tier activities have been booked ahead of time. Welcome to The Happy Place Guide To Holidays! In this chat with Fearne – brought to you by British Airways Holidays – Chris explains how holidays have changed since he lost his sight. He thinks hard about everything from communicating in a foreign country, to how dependent he’ll need to be on his loved ones. He also chats about getting into his daughter’s favourite holiday hobby: rollercoasters! Plus, Chris reveals why he reckons being a maths geek has helped him in comedy, and why he initially turned Strictly down a number of times... British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected, offer a 24hr holiday helpline, and allow you to book with a low deposit. All holidays include a generous baggage allowance per person. Go to Ba.com/holidays to find out more. Listen to other episodes of The Happy Place Guide To Holidays: Sophie Ellis-Bextor Richard E Grant Tess Daly Clara Amfo Sara Cox Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you noticed that your memory and rational thinking disappear when you’re anxious? Ruby Wax wants you to retrain your focus and attention in a digital world that’s always trying to steal it. In this chat with Fearne – live from the Happy Place Festival – Ruby explains the difference between mental health and mental illness, and why she calls meditation ‘mind gym’. She also explores why laughing – getting into your body – is one of the greatest things you can do for your mental health. Ruby also tells some raucous stories about the celebrities she’s interviewed. Why did Trump want her kicked off his plane? And what was her read of OJ Simpson? You can get tickets for Ruby’s tour Absolutely Famous here . Join Ruby’s Frazzled Café here . If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Ruby’s first Happy Place episode Ruby’s second Happy Place episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You know how your mood dips when you’re hangry? Well, being thangry is a thing too! Thirst – being dehydrated – can have a very real impact on everything from your stress levels to cognitive function and physical performance. We’re heading back to this year’s Happy Place Festival, where the Talk Stage was sponsored by Phizz, the UK’s number-one selling hydration brand. In this chat with Fearne, Dan Cray, CEO and Co-Founder of Phizz, and Dr Paul Anastasiades, Head of Product Development and Co-Founder, explore what hydration really means, why it’s so easy to overlook, and how getting it right can help us feel more energised, focused and more like ourselves. They also explain why effective hydration isn’t just about drinking more water, but about getting the right balance of electrolytes and nutrients to help your body perform at its best. Plus, how much water should you actually be drinking each day? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month in the Happy Place Book Club, we’ve been reading Queenie Is Working On It, by Candice Carty-Williams. This is the much anticipated follow up to 2019’s Queenie.... and this time, Queenie Jenkins is questioning whether she wants kids, being priced out of the housing market in the place she grew up, and coping with horrible heartbreak too. In this chat with Fearne – live from the Happy Place Festival – Candice explains why she felt it was so important to write about big topics like medical racism and fertility pressures, as well as why for her characters come first and the plot is just a side quest. Also, we all think hen parties are the absolute worst, right?? Thank you to Trapeze for the use of the Queenie Is Working On It audiobook, narrated by Shvorne Marks. You can listen to the Queenie Is Working On It audiobook, from bookshop.org , here. If you'd like to WIN a year's supply of audiobooks, enter our competition with bookshop.org here. Competition closes on August 22nd. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Book Club Meets: Caro Claire Burke Book Club Meets: Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees Book Club Meets: Imani Thompson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you aware of what can trigger big emotions in you? How to do you act on those difficult emotions? Comedian Paul Whitehouse and his wife Dr Mine Conkbayir MBE – who has a PhD in neuroscience – talk about learning to emotionally regulate. In this chat with Fearne – live from the Happy Place Festival – Mine explains what led to her late ADHD diagnosis, and the childhood trauma that plays into her own behaviour. Meanwhile Paul’s had physical health scares, and explores how his lifestyle has changed as a result. They all talk about how the education system needs to change for neurodiverse children, why labels might be useful for some and not for others, and how to calm others with your own behaviour. Plus, why do this married couple choose not to live together? Listen to Paul and Mine’s podcast I’m ADHD! No You’re Not! wherever you’re listening to this right now! If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Lucinda Miller Alex Partridge Jordan Stephens Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Thompson has made a career out of making people laugh, but behind the pranks and infectious energy, there’s a lot of panic and overthinking. In this chat with Fearne, Sam shares how anxiety and undiagnosed ADHD shaped everything from his relationships to his self-confidence, and why it took years of therapy before he understood the patterns he kept repeating. Who do you call in a crisis? Sam has three people he goes to for very specific reasons when he’s spiralling. Sam and Fearne also debate the people-pleaser and non-people-pleaser ways to leave a party, and Sam reveals some of the (amazing!) BTS goss from his content creation with Pete Wicks. Plus, why was Sam willing to pay to go on I’m A Celeb...?? Sam’s book, You, Me, and ADHD is available now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Louise Thompson Jamie Laing Ant and Dec Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor is playing over 20 festivals around the world this summer. Given she travels so much for work, it’s even more important to make family holidays properly magical. Welcome to The Happy Place Guide To Holidays! In this chat with Fearne – brought to you by British Airways Holidays – Sophie explains that she and her husband have meetings to discuss the travel itinerary. They share the joy of collecting stamps in your passport, and get deep into their recommendations for Paris, Puglia, Ibiza, and Japan. Fearne and Sophie also realise they both turn into a slightly different person on holiday... a more uninhibited version of themselves. There are more glam outfits and fewer routines! Plus, how does Sophie stay so chilled while packing for seven people in the family, and how does she feel about screens on holiday? British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected, offer a 24hr holiday helpline, and allow you to book with a low deposit. All holidays include a generous baggage allowance per person. Go to Ba.com/holidays to find out more. Listen to other episodes of The Happy Place Guide To Holidays: Richard E Grant Tess Daly Clara Amfo Sara Cox Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Locke was doing his A levels on the Isle of Man when Heartstopper came out on Netflix. Two days later he had 3 million new Instagram followers. In this chat, Fearne and Joe both share their experiences of being thrust into the spotlight as teenagers, and how it’s affected them mentally. He explores his fear that his success might just be a fluke, and why he's so keen to prove he belongs in the industry. They also chat about how vital it is to have LGBTQ+ representation like Heartstopper on TV, and why Joe came out twice. Plus, what can we all learn from Joe’s experience of having to grow up fast about giving ourselves permission to be young and messy? You can watch Joe in Heartstopper Forever on Netflix now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Olly Alexander Chris Appleton Julian Clary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s probably a bit too much pressure on reaching a definitive state of happiness isn’t there? It’s just not realistic. So Fearne’s dropping into your feed every week for some honest chat about what’s making her (and you lot) feel great, and what’s making us all feel completely rubbish. This is a cosy little corner for all of us to explore what’s been on our minds, what’s been getting us down, inspiring us, and making us laugh. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial! In this chat, Fearne explores: -Trying random new hobbies in midlife and actually being good at them -A bit of reminiscing about her 90s TV presenting days -Admiring nature through a camera lens -Going to the doctor and having your pain believed immediately -Why she’s not a fan of following rules (and what happened when she disobeyed them at The Vatican) -Taking time off work for poor mental health -Why wearing a bra in the heat is SO AWFUL -Why wearing clothes full stop is a mad concept Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re heading into the summer holidays. Hands up if you’re already a bit anxious about any mum guilt creeping in...? Fearne definitely is, so she’s reflecting on the Happy Place episodes that explore how different women are choosing to navigate working and parenting. No judgement here gang – we all need to take the pressure off being perfect in every area of our lives! In this episode – -Entrepreneur Emma Grede chats about why parenting isn’t that deep, and why it’s important for her kids to see her fulfil her own dreams -Artist Sophie Ellis-Bextor explains why she’s stopped minimising the importance of her career, and how she includes her children in her work day -Olympic Rower Helen Glover explores how having children encouraged her to get back into a career she thought she’d retired from -Artist Paloma Faith wonders just how much of a toll the silent emotional load of working both in and out of the house is taking on women -Broadcaster Ruth Langsford reflects on how she chose between being at home or at work in her early days of parenting, and what she tells young mothers in the same position -Actor Joanna Page remembers the times she had to breastfeed on TV sets and explains why motherhood now ultimately comes before her career By the way, tickets for the 2027 London Happy Place festival are on sale now ! Just head to happyplaceofficial.co.uk to get your tickets. Listen to the full Happy Place episodes – Emma Grede Sophie Ellis-Bextor Helen Glover Paloma Faith Ruth Langsford Joanna Page Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is your nervous system exhausted today? Perhaps you’ve been holding everything together, holding everything inside for a little bit too long? Find somewhere quiet and comfortable, and join Jodie Cariss for a little decompression session. Jodie’s a psychotherapist and the founder of Self Space, a mental health service offering straightforward access to flexible therapy. She’ll guide you through some breathwork, body release, and visualisations that’ll allow you to let go of the mental and physical tension you’re holding. Find out more about Self Space . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Smoking and going to that cool gig... think you left caving to peer pressure behind at high school? Scientist and social entrepreneur Todd Rose says we’re still desperately doing our best to fit in, whether we realise it or not! In this chat with Fearne, Todd explains that it feels important to hold the ‘correct’ opinions in the eyes of our social group. Why? As humans we’re wired to want to belong to a community, so often misrepresent our values for fear of upsetting others. The word ‘authenticity’ is thrown around a lot, but what does it really mean? Todd explains how to make sure your public self aligns with your public self so you’re not living in a state of confusion and anxiety. Plus, why not speaking your mind has very real implications on your physical health, and how self-silencing is affecting everything from your friendships to how you vote. Todd’s book, Collective Illusions, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Dr Julie Smith Patric Gagne Break free from people pleasing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Happy Place Guide To Holidays! In this chat – brought to you by British Airways Holidays – Fearne gets into what she and Team Happy Place absolutely love about a holiday, and which bits can be a bit rubbish. ( No one wants to pack to go home when the swimsuits are still wet...) How do you take your holidays more seriously? Join the chat on Instagram @happyplaceofficial and @britishairwaysholidays. In this chat, Fearne explores: -How a spa holiday induced a 10/10 sleep -Soaking up the history of places like Rome -Why you’re a more relaxed (more fun??) version of yourself on holiday -Chatting with strangers in cool little shops -The brilliant trinkets you come home with (personalised wax seal, anyone?) -Why nothing will beat the first Negroni abroad -Having uninterrupted reading time -Why the first 24 hours on holiday can make her a little bit anxious -The perils of being a last-minute packer British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected, offer a 24hr holiday helpline, and allow you to book with a low deposit. All holidays include a generous baggage allowance per person. Go to Ba.com/holidays to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.